Flag of Kosovo
Kosovo celebrates Independence Day. In 2008 it broke away from Serbia. According to the CIA World Factbook, Kosovo is slightly larger than Delaware. Almost two million people live in this landlocked country. Pristina is the capital and largest city, and the country is rich in minerals and lignite.
Artist’s Conception of Phoenix on Surface of Mars
Phoenix landed on Mars in 2008. It was launched August 4, 2007. The spacecraft landed on a polar region of Mars and conducted tests on water and surface chemistry until November 2, 2008. Then the Martian winter set in, and the fragile equipment could no longer send data. Children could learn more at: Mar Phoenix.
Flag of Nepal
Nepal celebrates Republic Day. It declared itself a republic in 2008. Located in the Himalayas between China and India, the country is about the size of Arkansas. Eight of the ten highest mountains, including Mount Everest, are within the country’s boundaries. Almost 31 million people live in Nepal, and Kathmandu is the capital.
Zero Emissions Day is today! The day reminds us to try to be free of fossil fuels; it also suggests we try to use alternative energy sources, such as wind power and solar energy. Ken Wallace in Nova Scotia, Canada, founded the day in 2008 when he created a website to commemorate the day. Basically his plan was to “give the planet a day off.” Idea: Children could walk or bike instead of ride in cars.